Top Seed Sabalenka Defeats Raducanu in Wimbledon Third Round

Emma Raducanu's spirited run at Wimbledon 2025 ended in a narrow third-round defeat to top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who won 7-6(8-6), 6-4 in a closely contested match under the Centre Court roof. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, pushed Sabalenka hard, leading early in both sets and nearly converting set points in a tense tiebreak, but Sabalenka's power and resilience prevailed, particularly with a late five-game surge in the second set. The match showcased Raducanu's attacking style and determination, earning praise from Sabalenka, who predicted Raducanu would return to the top 10 if she maintains her current form. Despite the defeat, Raducanu's performance demonstrated her potential to bridge the gap against top-ranked opponents, though her win-loss record against top-eight players remains challenging. The intense atmosphere amplified by the closed roof and a passionate home crowd added drama to the encounter, with Raducanu receiving strong support throughout. With this result, Raducanu drops to British No. 3 and world No. 45, while she looks ahead to future tournaments to build on this experience.